My question involves employment and labor law for the state of: New York
(Sorry for the lengthy story to follow)
I have been employed at my job for a period of 6 and a half months. When I was hired, I had a wedding/honeymoon planned and negotiated that time off into my hiring plan. Last week I gave my two week's notice.
According to my signed employment agreement, after 6 months you accrue 10 days paid time off. I took my honeymoon after two months employment, and because we had agreed upon that before I signed on, they paid me while I was gone.
Now that I've given 2 weeks notice... my boss is withholding my paycheck. (now for 3 weeks worth of wages). He did not tell me beforehand that he did not intend to pay me. When I asked him for my check, he did not answer me. I gave him a day and a half to respond about why I wasnt paid on time and when he intended to do so, and he never responded. So I walked out, making my resignation immediate.
The person who I replaced - they had docked his last paycheck for doctors appointments he had taken while he was employed. I believe they intend to recoup the money from the honeymoon, which they agreed I could take. And, since I've been employed for over six months, I technically have accrued those days anyway. I should be paid for that time... and I don't know how legal it is to take it back after they've already paid.
These people are sociopaths and I really hate the idea of taking them to small claims court. But we're talking about a lot of money. Because they have done this before, I would like to take action that would prevent it from happening to another person.
Do you think I have a strong small claims case? Or would it be better to forget about the money and report them to the Dept of Labor?

